The SMARTER website contains lots of facts and data. In this section we share “Stories.”  A story makes connections between cause and effect. We remember stories because that is exactly how our brain works.  Most of these stories are from riders who have crashed and report on the effectiveness of their riding gear, including their helmet. But we share first a story of unknowns. This is a story of what could have been. This is a story of heartbreaking loss.

Lifesaver: A year after motorcycle crash, Jim Lumley still thanks his helmet: A Northern Express Apr. 29, 2013, article wherein Jim explains he is glad he was wearing his helmet at the time he was involved in a low-speed crash even though the law in Michigan had changed the year before to make wearing a helmet optional. The low-speed crash turned out to be high-stakes for Lumley, who suffered a serious injury to his knee. He also believes he owes his life to the helmet that cracked when it hit the windshield. It was a high-end, $350 helmet, with an air cushion that inflated to further protect his head. The helmet was destroyed in the crash. “Literally, I could have legally been riding without a helmet, but I chose to wear a helmet,” he said.

Jimmy Hunter Is Glad He Wore a Quality Motorcycle Helmet: A Muskegon Chronicle article describes Jimmy’s recovery following his motorcycle crash.

Jason McVicar Tells about Surviving His Motorcycle Crash: A video report of McVicar’s experiences at the Bonneville Salt Flats and how he crashed at over 200 MPH and survived, which he attributes to his motorcycle helmet.

Mark Lowry Tells about His Motorcycle Crash: Video

Below are three first-person reports about gear and crashes posted at RideApart

• Pete Hitzeman (Oct. 14, 2014): How I murdered my first motorcycle
• Wes Siler (Oct. 11, 2012): Why wearing jeans on a motorcycle is a really bad idea
• Wes Siler (Oct. 25, 2013): 10 things I learned from 10 motorcycle crashes